Lupe revealed that the cover was inspired by Johnny Cash’s 1971 protest song “Man in Black.” “The reason he wore black, he wore it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime. He’s there ’cause he’s a victim of the time,” he explained.

The blank artwork is intended to stand out and make a statement. “It’s the easiest album to find,” said Lupe. “I wanted to have something to cherish, like this is kinda history right here.”